Karing for Karen supporters at last year’s Fundraiser Basketball game to help raise funds for Karen Monteleone and her family. This year’s game Feb. 11 raised more than $15,000 for Karen who is battling cancer.

Karing for Karen supporters at last year’s Fundraiser Basketball game to help raise funds for Karen Monteleone and her family. This year’s game Feb. 11 raised more than $15,000 for Karen who is battling

Karing for Karen supporters at last year’s Fundraiser Basketball game to help raise funds for Karen Monteleone and her family. This year’s game Feb. 11 raised more than $15,000 for Karen who is battling cancer.

Karing for Karen supporters at last year’s Fundraiser Basketball game to help raise funds for Karen Monteleone and her family. This year’s game Feb. 11 raised more than $15,000 for Karen who is battling

Pink t-shirts, pink sweaters and any other pink clothing items adorn the school’s faculty and students all in support for Kingwood resident Karen Monteleone.

“It was right before Christmas 2011, Monteleone was diagnosed with breast cancer. Kim Giles and I both felt we needed to do something to help her and her family; this was Riverwood Middle’s chance to step in do whatever we could to help,” Nancy West, a friend of Monteleone and RMS’ principal’s secretary, said.

They organized the first Karing for Karen Charity Basketball game in 2012 pitting students against teachers to help raise money for the family.

They learned the Monteleone family needed help this year so they held the second annual Karing for Karen Fundraiser Basketball Game Feb. 11 at Kingwood High School.

They raised more than $15,000 at this year’s game to go toward medical bills and help the family.

All of the different charity events for Monteleone and her family were done by the RMS staff, faculty and students and the community with open arms.

“When you know Monteleone, her four children and her husband; they are the kind of people you just want to help. Our heart goes out to the Monteleone family,” West said.

The 2013 Fundraiser Basketball game featured 22 baskets donated from area businesses and community members which were raffled off to guests at the game.

Additionally, the Kingwood High School Theater booster club also donated $1,510 to Karing for Karen.

“Monteleone has always been that person that jumps in to help and has never hesitated when something needed to be done to help someone; that is what the community has done for her,” Giles said.

West echoed Giles’ sentiments by adding, “I have never known anyone like Monteleone. She is always upbeat, positive and when you are around her you catch her positive spirit.”

There are have been a couple of other different fundraisers to help the Monteleone family such as the Greentree/Riverchase Gator Swim team hosted a swim-a-thon, Zumbathon, Silpada Jewelry parties benefiting Karing for Karen and a Holiday Marketplace benefiting Monteleone family just to name a few of the events.

The RMS teachers also donated funds to be able to wear jeans to work for a month in support of Monteleone.

“Jeans for Karen is special to me. I normally donate my money but do not wear jeans but I am for Monteleone; I want everyone to know I am supporting her in her battle with cancer.”

Fellow members of the Monteleone’s church, Woodridge Baptist Church, have also stepped into help providing the family with dinner every Wednesday.

“I cannot put into words the gratitude I feel in appreciation for both the RMS family and the Kingwood community. The support my family I have received is incredible,” Monteleone said about all of the fundraisers.